So, if I want to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side I need a passport?

[The Wielding Truth]

I can't leave and drive to Canada. I can't just drive over the bridge and stop and say I'm going on a little vacation? You mean I have to buy a passport, wait, and ask permission to cross?I feel caged. What does Canada have to fear from me. I don't even have a parking ticket.

Can I cross to Mexico without a passport? How about Hawaii? Puerto Rico?
Is this part of the Patriot Act. How is keeping me trapped an act of patriotism? I'm I silly to feel fenced in? Man, it's weird.

[mitchtv]

1. Like much of the rest of the world

passports have gotten expensive too.

[The Wielding Truth]

5. Yea, but it's the idea that they can take your passport.Then what?

Doesn't it make you feel strange to think that you can be stopped like that?

[malaise]

Well if you visit Jamaica and buy your passport before the trip

the stupid hotels will refund you the cost.

[mitchtv]

59. I'm gay.

I would never step foot in Jamaica. Land of hate

[malaise]

60. It's way more complex than that

but you are correct re homophobia.

[MichiganVote]

2. Yes, you too could become a terrorist unless you spend $100 on a passport

Don't risk it.

[GenDem]

3. $90 to be exact

but, you can now go to any local post office to get them.

[karlrschneider]

12. Not any post office...just some post offices. And it's 97 bucks.

...
edit, hit the 3 instead of the 7

[GenDem]

13. I think they used to cost around $60.

Must be the government is seeing a little opportunity to collect some revenue. I'm not far from Niagara Falls and frequent Canada on a fairly regular basis. This is going to be very expensive, as it will mean that in our family we will need three. $300.00 to make a little day trip across the border to maybe have a picnic on the prettier Canadian side? Canada can't be happy...this will keep many US visitors home.

[karlrschneider]

16. I think passports are pretty much idiotic in general but for Canada and Mexico

it's just insane. The whole thing is just the result of a bunch of goddamned bureaucrats flexing their muscles. I think my first passport cost $15...which was admittedly a long time ago but I thought it was too much even then. I think every U.S. citizen should be given a lifetime passport for free.

[nadinbrzezinski]

21. Karl you ARE aware that my parents

Mexican Citizens, NEED a Passport to come into the US... and they are also required a VISA and this did not start yesterday either, but has been the case since oh... I remember...

I might ask, why doesn't Mexico have a right to require YOU to have a passport to enter Mexico and a Visa? By the way, THEY ARE CONSIDERING THIS as I type this... and you know what? I say, go for it.

[karlrschneider]

28. I didn't know Mexican nationals needed passports. I'm hazy on the whole 'green card' thing

I keep a passport because I mostly go to countries other than Canada and Mexico so it's a requirement for my sometimes job. I remember many years when passports weren't technically required for many places, having one made the immigration/customs procedure a lot less hassle. Mine's good for 2 more years so I'm not going to fret about it for a while.

[nadinbrzezinski]

30. Mexican Nationals have needed them for decades

My nanny, my parents managed to get her a visa to the US, good for only 90 days to come to my wedding, mind you she's in her 80s these days, and my other nanny was not allowed into the country. (They were told, true story, that she was too young and might try to stay in the US after the Visa expired... yep racism is alive and well mind you)

As to green cards, every time I went to work down in TJ as a medic (while going to college), I had to carry mine. And more than once we had trouble with INS when taking a medical emergency to the border station to wait for American EMS. If people didn't have their papers and were of certain darker colors at times it got crazy wiht INS. As I told the Station commander one time, look it is not my job to check for migratory status to the United States, or citizenship status... that is why I pay you from MY taxes. To say that he did not apreciate it well it is to put it midly.

We also had some very funny other incidents and not so funny incidents. I guess I could write a book about them, but then again soem of those involve the Arellano Cartel and boy those boys scare me, to this day.

That is why born in East LA didn't strike me as a commedy, since I know it was a combo of three real life cases...

edited to add some relevant info

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. two points

most countries do require a passport.

So far ON THE BORDER REGION you can cross to mexico without one, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you carry one. And as a medic who worked for the Mexican Red Cross in Tijuana I would hight ly advise you to carry one

That said the Mexican Gov has been considering requiring visas from US Citizens who want to visit Mexico since we require THEIR citizens to obtain them.

Oh and Puerto Rico IS a US territory, hence you do not need a passport, and Hawaii is a US State, so you do not need a passport either, unless that is we start requiring INTERNAL passports and I beseech you, don't give them any ideas.

[The Wielding Truth]

7. I don't like the ideas they already have. I want things back. Oh,well.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. True but there are valid reasons to carry a passport even

in the border regions of Mexico. Trust me, I have gone to bat with INS for injured US Citizens, but it is so much easier when folks HAVE their passport or greencard. Oh and that was well before 9.11, by some years in fact. Trust me on this one. And if I go to Tijuana to visit these days... there are very valid reasons why I stay out of there and has nothing to do with most of the locals, just a few law breaking locals, I will carry my passport.

[The Wielding Truth]

15. It's a wild world. I guess. I'm always forgetting that innocence isn't

all that wise when you're in another culture. I just liked the freedom to move about amongst our North American Neighbors. I won't be foolish and I respect your advice. Thanks,nadinbrzezinski.
I just feel claustrophobic.

[Lex]

6. No, you can get something that's not quite a passport

for less money, for Canada and Mexico.

Hawaii is a US state so you wouldn't need one, right? Puerto Rico is a US Territory so one not needed.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. Correct Hawaii is a US State, and Puerto Rico is a Territory

you can also travel to the US Virgin Islands and other US territories without a passport

[The Wielding Truth]

19. Thank you, Lex.

[PassingFair]

8. I believe that you will need a passport beginning this month if you are FLYING

into Canada.

If you are driving, you won't need one until NEXT January.

At least that's my interpretation.

[Rosemary2205]

11. Canada will let you in but the US will not let you come back

as I understand it........

[uppityperson]

44. That's what I thought. Need passport to get back INTO the USA

so far they let you leave, but to come back you need one.

[Blue_In_AK]

14. Yes, kind of like I can't drive

to our state's capitol anymore -- oh, wait, I couldn't drive to our state's capitol before. :rofl: Seriously, I think this is ridiculous that Alaskans can't drive across the Yukon Territories like we've always done to get to Haines and the ferry to Juneau without a passport. I'd rather be part of Canada anyway.

[The Wielding Truth]

17. Yea , it's the lose of freedom thing. Gee. You are close . Are you

considering moving to Canada?

[Blue_In_AK]

27. No, I won't be leaving Alaska...

It's just that sometimes I wish Alaska would leave the US. I'm not so sure that statehood thing was such a good idea back in '59, but I guess it's better than being a territory.

[The Wielding Truth]

32. Sounds like someone loves Alaska.

[Blue_In_AK]

36. That would be a big yes.

I've been here since 1975 and I just can't see myself leaving. It's paradise.

[Canadian Socialist]

57. Alaskans should check out becoming part of Canada...

really. The people I know up north (Yukon etc.) already consider you guys honorary Canadians. And think of the bennies! Universal Health Care, employment insurance that is not based on what your employer pays, social security, old age pension... I could go on... plus you don't have to vote that often... heee. It makes sense. Alaskans are probably more culturally the same as northern Canadians. Plus you would have a better Constitution (e.g. equal marriage, access to abortions). And TWO! count 'em! TWO official languages... as well as acceptance and teaching of the First Nations' languages! We are a multi-cultural country - not a "melting pot".

[northofdenali]

45. AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN, Blue!!!

Can you imagine not being able to take a long weekend and go to, like, Liard Hot Springs or Whitehorse or Dawson City (and lose money at blackjack)?

Well, if you can't afford the $$ for the passport, and the wait, and the paperwork - that's gone. I won't leave my nation or my state, but I feel like my nation has left me. :(

[karlrschneider]

18. You think THAT's a problem? Try driving to Honolulu without a passport!

:evilgrin:

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. You do know that there is an H-1, H-2 and H-3

freeways on the Island, don't you?

We used to quip that someday we would see the entrance to I-5

:evilgrin:

[karlrschneider]

22. Yeah but it's one hell of a long entrance ramp!!

:D

[TankLV]

41. and well hidden...

[nadinbrzezinski]

47. yeah we were never able to find it

and we also used to quip, better be gas stations or we will have to take gas along... but gee, would be a very and I mean a VERY LONG DRIVE

;-)

[Blue_In_AK]

26. Haha, I never thought of that.

Well, it's pretty silly to have Alaska's capitol way down in Juneau anyway, considering that everybody lives up here in Anchorage and Fairbanks, but we seem to be stuck with it.

[northofdenali]

46. Blue, let's leave 'em there -

keep the hot air in Juneau, and we may have "normal" weather up here!!

[RPM]

23. Not until Jan 23

New rules kick in then.

[SidDithers]

24. You've got it backwards, my friend...

You have no problem crossing into Canada without a passport. We welcome you up here.

It's crossing back over into your own country where you need your papers.

Please, don't blame us for your fucked up system.

Sid

[Blue_In_AK]

29. I've heard you don't welcome people

with ANY kind of a criminal record, however -- including old DWIs. Is that true? Not a problem for me personally, but probably an issue for half the rest of the people in Alaska.

[SidDithers]

31. You're right about that ...

but I don't know how strictly it is enforced. My experience crossing the border is that they quickly look at your drivers license and birth certificate and then wave you through. I guess if you were one of the random pull-overs, it might be a problem.

More here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/inadmissibility.html

But you still don't need a passport :)

Sid

[leftchick]

61. our identities were never checked going into CA

but damn did they give us the once oer trying to re-enter the US. I wanted to never come back. I want to live in Ontario.

:(

[The Wielding Truth]

34. Hey, I blame us,mostly our republicans. Not you,SidDithers. Peace.

:pals:

[tinfoilinfor2005]

25. Took a chartered bus trip from Russia through the Baltics last year.

Talk about passport hysteria. In some countries we would have to get out to show the passports when leaving the country. Then a few feet further, we would have to show them once again to get in. In some countries the passport guards preferred coming in the bus as opposed to our getting out. They would go up and down the aisles, look at the passports and stare intently in our faces. In a couple of others, they collected our passports and then brought them back after inspection. (No one liked this method, but who were we to argue?) Once in a while they would find something they didn't like about the passports, and we had to file out of the bus, take out all our luggage and wait for an inspection. And most of the border crossing places were very spooky, much like the Checkpoint Charlies we saw in the movies during the cold war. In fact they were exactly that, although now there were no (conspicuous) soldiers with big rifles present.

[The Wielding Truth]

35. This is what I really don't want. I'm glad you got through okay.

[cherokeeprogressive]

33. How special are you that you cannot be bothered with the same things

other HUMANS are subject to?

You're NOT fenced in. You may travel to wherever you want to. Whenever you want to.

Your problem with passports should be taken up with the United Nations I should think. And I think you're going to get shot down.

You're free to travel to wherever and whenever you want. Cuba? No problem. Fly to Mexico City first. I could go on, but you get the picture, I hope?

Chris

[The Wielding Truth]

37. I think you mean that I have get over being hassled and maybe

denied travel on whim of security just to go to Cnanda or Mexico.
I'll handle it, but I just don't like the idea of getting government papers to pass in and out. I'm used to an easily crossed border.

[nadinbrzezinski]

38. As I posted above

Mexican Nationals have needed both a passport and a visa to come to the US for literally decades

Personally it is high time Mexico requires the same from US citizens... and yes I was born and raised in Mexico City, and I became a US Citizen in 1998

But you know what? I have no problem with that

[PerfectSage]

39. I don't need no stinkin' passport...

...to see the Falls from the Canadian side. Cuz I live in the greatest country in the universe. ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygejqgBm9l0

One thing I know about the rest of my life... ...I know that I'll be living it in Canada...

[TankLV]

40. Hawaii is a STATE - has been for over 47 years now...

before that, it was a territory of the USA, like Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, etc...

Puerto Rico is a COMMONWEALTH teritory of the USA and is part of the USA...

ignorance can be very dangerous...

[tyedyeto]

42. A friend went to Nogales Mexico on a booze and ciggie run yesterday

We live between Tucson and Nogales and many people I know go down to Nogales frequently to purchase booze, cigarettes and medications on a regualar basis.

Well, one of my friends went yesterday and I asked "Did you need your passport to come back into the US?"

Answer was a definite "NO!"

So, if you look like a WASP, you won't have any problems crossing the border.

At least that is my impression from those who have gone down there recently. I can let you know on Sunday since I plan to do one of the booze, ciggie, meds runs then.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

51. The new rule is for air travel only (this year), and starts Jan 23

For people crossing back into the US by land or sea, the passport requirement starts next Jan 1 (2008).

[northofdenali]

43. How do you think Alaskans feel?

To get ANYWHERE, you drive through Canada. There are no other roads available; all you can do to bypass this is take the Marine Highway (ferry system) or fly.

Neither option is anywhere near inexpensive.

My husband may have to have surgery Outside. Our only option would be driving. Hopefully, we'll be able to afford passports by then, but it's doubtful due to medical expenses and trying to keep heads above water with an 86-year-old Alzheimer's patient in the house who must be cared for 24/7.

FUCK THE GODDAMN BUSH ADMINISTRATION, ALL ITS TOADIES AND LACKEYS, AND ANY FUCKING IDIOT WHO VOTED THIS IN!!!!!!!!

I've got more in common with folks in Yukon Territory and BC than with anyone but Dems/DU'ers in most of the rest of the Lower 48. Going to Canada is a weekend fun ride, until now. :nuke::mad::nuke:

[liberalpragmatist]

48. Um, since when has crossing the borders NOT required a passport?

This is a requirement of most countries and it's been a requirement to cross the borders of the United States for decades (with some exceptions, which other posters have pointed out).

Obviously, because Hawaii (a US STATE) and Puerto Rico are U.S. territory so you don't need a passport.

However, most Western European countries allow free passage without a passport or visa. Britain and Ireland have their own, separate arrangement preserving open borders between them.

[Rosemary2205]

49. For Canada, Mexico and Bermuda it's been hit or miss up to now

I've been into all 3 and got back in with only my driver's license and the fact I am obviously an American no sweat. Since they can't profile at the gates anymore then they are making no exceptions on passports.

[Bluerthanblue]

58. we have never required a passport to go into Canada in my

lifetime-
which is close to half a century- We have folks from Canada come here to shop, ski, and sight-see all the time as well. It was only as of ...?... Dec of 2006 that the govt. now REQUIRES a passport.

I hate the paranoia and red-tape that mr.bush and his "non-big brother" republican party- :silly: has brought down upon us.

[tammywammy]

50. No, you won't need a passport until Jan. 1, 2008 to drive to Canada or Mexico

It's only required for air travel as of now.

On January 1, 2008, a passport will be required for all air, land and water travel.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Hawaii and Puerto Rico are both part of the US. You won't need a passport to travel to either.

[Canadian Socialist]

52. As far as I'm concerned, a passport is a necessity...

I never used mine, back in the day, going to the states. However, I always had one. Here, it's about $100 (that includes the picture, taxes etc.) and it is good for 5 years. I found my passport (Canadian, obviously) to be priceless down in South America and in Europe... it proved I wasn't American. heeee.

[leftchick]

54. lol!

priceless indeed! :)

[leftchick]

53. you can go into Canada without a PASSPORT

You just can not return to the US without one. We went to Niagara Falls in Canada last summer and needed birth certificates and ID to get back (for the children), Licenses for us. The law went into effect 1/07. It is some brilliant homeland security scheme. Yet our checked bags are still not screened on airliners. :eyes:

[trogdor]

55. They'd let you back in, eventually.

It would be a royal pain in the ass, and you'd probably get a ticket or something, but you'd probably make it back in as long as you had some other kind of ID on you.

[leftchick]

56. honestly, last summer when we crossed back over the bridge?

I literally cried. I did not want to come back. :(